Welcome

The Biological Field Station is a facility of the State University College at Oneonta consisting of 2,600 acres with 12 major buildings that house laboratories, classrooms, conference spaces, offices and equipment for research support.

The Main Laboratory serves as a focus for analytical procedures essential for research activities in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. There is a large greenhouse, aquarium room, a unique multipurpose laboratory, four analytical laboratories, offices and conference spaces creating a compact and versatile research complex. It’s location on Otsego Lake just north of the Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown, NY at the headwaters of the Susquehanna River is uniquely situated, and has the capacity to provide excellent opportunities for field studies by advanced undergraduate and graduate students.

The Thayer Farm, with access to the North end of Otsego Lake, contains the Hop House with three classroom/laboratories, office and conference spaces. The Upland Interpretive Center provides access to the farm and Rum Hill trails, maintains curated collections, serves as a trailhead shelter and includes a conference center/classroom, offices and additional space for research support. There is also a residential building, workshop, equipment bays and storage including space for more than 12 powerboats. The boathouse contains workspace, a laboratory/classroom, offices and a diving locker.

A new laboratory dedicated primarily to ornithology is located above Moe Pond on the BFS Upper Research Site, the oldest of our research areas, serving since 1967.

Greenwoods Conservancy, Cranberry Bog and its watershed, includes our most remote area with resident populations of fisher and otter, endangered plants with few nuisance exotics present. A conference center/classroom, wet laboratory and residence provide excellent summer access.

Goodyear Swamp Sanctuary, at the north end of Otsego Lake, has historically been open to the public with trails and raised walkways; the boardwalk is currently closed to the public until further notice, as major repairs are needed and funding for this work has yet to be secured.